Henry F
Oppidan co-founder; 2,000+ hrs of mentoring; 311 shows in the Bob Marley Musical; passion for CFC, golf and rackets.
Education
Oxford University - Spanish & Italian Literature
Bio
I left Balliol, Oxford in 2014 and worked as a mentor and education consultant in London, Madrid and Beijing. In 2016 I co-founded Oppidan with my great friend Walter Kerr and the rest is history! Originally a foolishly aspiring actor, I stumbled through roles on the BBC, ITV and on film, mostly with bad wigs and extremely uncomfortable medieval costumes. I continue to pursue acting gently, multi-tasking through 14 months (311 shows) working on the Bob Marley musical, Get Up Stand Up, as producer Chris Blackwell. I’m passionate about all things Spanish, the theatre, playing racket sports and spending time on the golf course or at Stamford Bridge.
When time allows, I enjoy travel writing and sketching, having won awards at school and university for travel pieces on Paraguay. I am lucky enough to have four younger sisters, all of whom continue to influence me in their different ways.
Approach
My interest in education has been fostered by my own fortunate experience of school, my father’s career as a prep school headmaster and 2,000+ hours spent mentoring individual students on a one-to-one basis. I wholeheartedly believe that if a child enjoys themselves, they will make progress. On this basis, I do my best to engage and enthuse students, to help them grow in confidence and to see the benefit to our work together. If mentoring can be memorable, it can enable a child to work for themselves in the years to come. My favourite areas for mentoring include understanding poetry, writing stories and interview preparation.
What parents say
“Henry has been an inspirational mentor to my son who is in his pre-test year. He has been positive and influential, helping him to mature in his thinking, to think outside the box and to organise his ideas in an intelligent and articulate manner.” Mother of Year 6 student
“I cannot stress how happy we are to have met Henry. He is charming, brilliant, totally professional and has been a wonderful mentor for Eliott. We would recommend Oppidan Education without any hesitation.” Mother of Year 6 student
“Henry is a wonderful mentor, a great coach and inspiring role model to my 10 year old son. Totally original, fun, kind and very knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects. We are almost sorry that they cannot remain a secret for those in the know, but are sure Oppidan shall be hugely successful…” Eton and Winchester candidate
“It was very useful and enjoyable for my child to not only improve on interviewing (and other skills), but also to really enjoy the process.” Mother of Year 7 student, January 2020